2005 10 19

Vol. 94, No. 18 1 section, 8 pages

WEDNESDAY

October 19, 2005

www.acuoptimist.com

Taste of Centenniality

Traveling for credit

Cats in slump

Abtex Beverage Co. teams with ACU to create the Centennial Dr Pepper can, page 3

Students can participate in an Honors colloquium in Edinburgh, Scotland, page 4

The Wildcats take a 40-24 Homecoming loss, page 8

Brian Schmidt/Chief Photographer

EMERALD McGOWAN/Staff Photographer

ANNA CARROLL/Staff Photographer

Spirited weekend

Fall break offers time to study, travel, rest n Students make plans either to stay busy or relax this weekend after eight weeks of classes and Homecoming week leave many tired.

By RACHEL LAU Student Reporter

With extra tents, sleeping bags and a Coleman camp stove, Shannon Wallis is planning a trip to Palo Duro Canyon State Park next weekend.

After eight weeks of school, students have hit midterm, and with that comes fall break this weekend. Like Wallis, many have started planning activities to fill up their three-day weekend.

Wallis, senior biology major from Fort Worth, is organizing a group of people to camp at the state park, which is about 30 minutes from Amarillo. So far, seven people have signed up, but she said she is hoping for about 24 people.

Wallis decided to lead this group after taking several outdoor trips with her department in the past two years. Because she didn’t have plans this year, she decided to organize a trip herself. The cost is $30 plus gas money, and anyone interested can reserve a spot.

See

Emerald McGowan/Staff Photographer

Clockwise from the top: Josiah Kenney, freshman financial management major from Thorn, Colo., has his face painted by Kent Akers, freshman psychology major from Nathrop, Colo., and Jared Wessel, freshman physics major from Fort Worth, in preparation for Saturday’s Homecoming Parade. Javier Abila, 9, does a flip on an inflatible pirate ship at the Homecoming Carnival on Friday. Members of Alpha kai Omega march in the Homecoming Parade on Saturday as bags of seeds. Brayden Webb, 3, waves pom-poms on the Department of Communication Science and Disorders float in the Homecoming Parade.

Burford asbestos removed n Workers removed the hazardous material, commonly found in building projects from decades ago, in preparation to renovate Burford Music Center this year.

By ANNA CARROLL Student Reporter

Potential hazardous materials were removed from the

Leonard Burford Music Center as part of a routine first step in the remodeling process. The building is being remodeled to house the Department of Education and administration offices for the College of Education and Human Services.

Workers found asbestos, a substance found in some construction materials, and safely

Spring registration schedule Students may begin registering for spring classes online Wednesday by logging on at http://banner.acu.edu/ssprod. Here is a schedule for those eligible to register:

removed it from the building. This routine process did not cause any possible health problems for students or faculty, said Bob Nevill, director of Physical Resources, in an email.

“We are legally required to conduct an asbestos survey See

• Graduate, Honors and Study Abroad students, 3 p.m. Wednesday • Seniors (90+ hours), 3 p.m. Monday • Juniors (60-89 hours), 3 p.m. Oct. 26 • Sophomore (30-59 hours), 3 p.m. Oct. 31 • Freshmen (0-29 hours), 3 p.m. Nov. 2

JUMP page 5

Students have jam session n Eight bands of students and alumni participated in the three-hour event Friday night to entertain the Homecoming crowds.

By JAYME SMITH Student Reporter

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

T.J. McCloud, ACU alumnus, performs at JamFest on Friday night on the lawn behind the Zona Luce Building. Eight bands performed at the event.

As both hands grip the microphone and his eyes slowly close, Carlos Macias lifts his face toward the sky while moving a hand upon his heart. He begins to sing at the top of his lungs.

Revealing his passion for love and unity becomes the central goal for Macias, class of 2005 and lead singer for the band, Clad in Scarlet, while per-

forming on stage.

“This last song goes out to those of you who have a passion for something—no matter what it may be,” Macias said to his audience at JamFest Friday night.

On stage, Macias focuses on his audience while trying to reveal his own purpose for performing, he said.

“We try to send out a message of love, and we want to reach out to everyone, not just a particular culture or ‘group,’” Macias said. “We focus See

ASBESTOS page 5

FALL BREAK page 5

New virus threatens computers n Team 55 employees warn students that clicking on unknown links through instant messaging programs could downloading a virus unknown to students.

By MITCH HOLT Opinion Editor

Students face technological risk on campus because of the AOL virus, which is a computer virus that latches on to a system through AOL Instant Messenger.

Josh Tooley, Team 55 manager, said often the virus is received when someone clicks on a link sent through AIM from someone on that person’s buddy list. Clicking on that link presents the risk of downloading that virus onto one’s computer. Once it has downloaded onto one computer, the virus can spread itself to other computers on the network.

The immediate way to avoid this problem is by not clicking on links received through AOL Instant Messenger, even if they’re from a friend.

“This is a temporary fix,” Tooley said. “Essentially, the only way to solve the problem is for the student to become educated in safe computer use.”

Many times, people believe that an upSee

AOL page 5

Queen experiences crowning moment n Evan Lindsay received 29 percent of the vote out of the 10 Homecoming Queen nominees to win this year’s honor at Saturday’s football game.

By MALLORY SHERWOOD Managing Editor

Instead of worrying about what to do if her name was called, Evan Lindsay quietly discussed who deserved to win the title of Homecoming Queen with her father and nearly missed the announcement that

she won the 2005-06 Homecoming Queen title.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be Homecoming Queen,” said Lindsay, senior secondary science education major from Houston. “I couldn’t even comprehend how to behave once I realized they actually called my name.”

Lindsay didn’t believe she would win Homecoming Queen, much less be nominated, she said.

“My mom was really excited

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

and said, ‘I told you so,’ because I didn’t think I would even be nominated,” Lindsay said.

She said it was cool to be able to share in this experience with her mom, who was on the Homecoming Court in 1979, while President of Ko Jo Kai. “She was a Kojie, and I am the president of [Sigma Theta Chi], so we haven’t been able to share in the same traditions before,” Lindsay said.

“This was the first.”

Lindsay’s younger sister, Morgan a junior finance major

from Houston, was also excited about her nomination.

“My sister was probably my biggest supporter ever,” Lindsay said. “She would always encourage me and send me cards during the past few weeks.”

Lindsay said other friends, club and family members also encouraged her throughout the process.

“My favorite part of this experience has been getting to know the other girls,” Lindsay See

QUEEN page 5

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Homecoming Queen Evan Lindsay, senior international studies major from Houston, is crowned by Coming Home Queen Kendra Sorrells Vaughn, class of 1995, during halftime of the football game at Shotwell Stadium.

Abilene Christian University

Serving the ACU community since 1912

Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date:

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

19

Calendar & Events Wednesday

AIDS Awareness Brown Bag, 12:05-1 p.m., Hilton Room.

21

Friday

Computer Auction, 7 a.m.-11:45 p.m., Hilton Room.

Friday Night Frenzy, 8-11:50 p.m., Bean Sprout.

20

Thursday

Town Hall Meeting, 8:30-9:30 a.m., Hilton Room.

22

Saturday

Computer Auction, 7 a.m.11:45 p.m., Hilton Room.

Fall break, no classes

Police Log (edited for space) Oct. 10 7:50 a.m. Report of dead skunk between Don Morris building and library 10:25 a.m. Criminal mischief at Adam and Smiths halls 11:20 a.m. Report of subject shooting pellet gun at Adam and Smiths halls. APD issued citation to non-student.

5:15 p.m. Suspicious subject at west campus lot. Contacted male subject asking for money that was out of gas. Subject left the area 8:05 p.m. Report of suspicious vehicles at Allen Farm, Contacted student that had permission to be on the farm Oct. 11 1:25 a.m. Report of possible missing student. Student was located at home 4:00 p.m. Fingerprinted student at station 5:55 p.m. Vehicle accident at E.N.10th St. and Ave F St. Oct. 12 12:27 a.m. Report of suspicious subject at Bible lot. Contacted subject on golf cart, he parked his cart, all OK 12:30 p.m. Unlocked vehicle at 400 College St. 4:00 p.m. Unlocked Zona Luce 4:00 p.m. Fingerprinted student at station 6:00 p.m. Unlocked Business building 6:30 p.m. Unlocked vehicle at Teague lot 8:00 p.m. Place barricades on ACU Drive Oct. 13 1:35 p.m. Contacted animal control reference to dog at Bible

lot 4:12 p.m. Jumpstart vehicle at 1500 Washington St. 4:35 p.m. Fingerprinted student at the station 4:45 p.m. Report of suspicious juvenile at Adam and Smiths halls. Contacted juvenile he was looking for his cat, all OK 6:35 p.m. Gave access to Gibson for student to look for wallet 7:00 p.m. Medical emergency at Intramural Field, reference to student with broken ankle 11:30 p.m. Noise complaint at University Park Apartments 813, will keep noise down Oct. 14 12:00 a.m. Traffic assist alumni for street painting for parade 4:40 p.m. Unlocked Zona Luce 6:00 p.m. Unlocked Business building 6:50 p.m. Unlocked Bible building 8:00 p.m. Unlocked WPAC 8:00 p.m. Place barricades on ACU Drive South Oct. 15 9:23 a.m. Unlocked vehicle in Big Purple lot 10:30 a.m. Unlocked vehicle in Big Purple lot 7:13 p.m. Unlocked vehicle at Mabee and Edwards lots Oct. 16 12:24 a.m. Escorted females to Gardner Hall 8:55 a.m. Report of suspicious in the street at Judge Ely and E.N. 16th St., was gone upon arrival 4:27 p.m. Report of dog barking at University Park Apartments, checked area unable to locate animal

About This Page The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities.

Groups may send announcements directly to optimist@acu.edu or to the Page 2 Editor, ACU Box 27892, Abilene, TX 79699.

To ensure that an item will appear on time, the announcement should be sent at least 10 days before. The Optimist may edit items for space and style.

Corrections and clarifications of published news articles will be printed in this space in a timely manner.

Announcements

The Annual Campus Crime & Security Report for ACU is now available at http://www.acu. edu/campusoffices/acu_police/ crimestats.html and free copies can be obtained upon request at ACUPD, 1634 Campus Court during normal business hours. The report includes crime statistics from the previous three years for reported crimes on campus, in certain off-campus locations and on public property immediately adjacent to and accessible from campus.

The Intercollegiate Community Celebration is Nov. 12. Students from HardinSimmons and McMurry will join for a united day of fellowship and service with local agencies and neighborhoods. The day will begin at 8:30 a.m. with worship.

Service projects are from 9 a.m.3 p.m. Dinner will be 7-8:30 p.m. at the homes of faculty and staff from the three universities.

The Outdoor Club is

recruiting members!

Its mission is to promote outdoor knowledge, ethics and service.

It is planning service activities, training sessions, discussions, presentations and outings throughout the year. Visit www. acu.edu/outdoorclub for more information.

The Taylor County Historical Commission is hosting their annual Fall Historical Marker tour from 1-5 p.m. Nov. 5.

Participants will enjoy a guided bus tour of 15 or more current or proposed historical marker locations throughout Abilene, Buffalo Gap, Merkel and the county. The bus leaves Lytle Land & Cattle Company, 1150 E. S. 11th at Judge Ely Boulevard, at 1 p.m. and returns at 5 p.m.

Contact Commission President Jim Bucherie at 325-695-4250, Stowe, or Anita Lane at 325-5723269 for more information about the tour.

Volunteer Opportunities The GV Daniels Recreation Center Fall Festival needs volunteers to run game booths and help clean up from 6-10 p.m. Oct. 31. For more information, contact Justin Whiteley at 676-6443.

Habitat for Humanity needs volunteers to work at their Halloween Carnival held at the mall on October 31 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, contact Karen Mendoza at 325-201-0250 March of Dimes needs volunteers to help decorate, monitor the silent auction

and clean up after a black-tie fundraising dinner on Nov. 7 and 8. For more information, contact Jennifer Woodard at 672-0566.

University Place needs volunteers to decorate the building for Halloween until Oct. 21. For more information, contact Teresa at 676-9946.

Weekend Campaigns are open on the following weekends: Oct. 28-30, Nov. 4-6, and Nov. 18-20. For more information, contact Jonathan Wood at 210-273-1466 or email him at jrw02i@acu.edu.

Credited Chapels remaining:

37 32

ACU tips hat to Faubus at dinner n Faculty and students pay tribute to beloved accounting professor emeritus, Dr. Overton Faubus at a reception Sunday at the Teague Special Events Center.

“Dr. Faubus saw more in people than they saw in themselves.”

Dr. Rick Lytle, dean of the College of Business Administration

By EMERALD McGOWAN Student Reporter

Almost 400 people attended a reception Sunday honoring Dr. Overton Faubus, professor emeritus of accounting Faubus served as head of the Department of Business from 1967-1980. Although he won many awards over the years, he is most widely known for his long-lasting relationships with students and his constant encouragement for them to succeed, said Jennifer Bass, media relations specialist and senior integrated marketing communication major from Andrews, in a press release.

Speakers at the reception included several former students and faculty, Faubus’s daughter, Anne Gregs; Don Crisp, chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, and Dr. Rick Lytle, dean of College of Business Administration.

All who spoke told of Faubus’ compassion and belief in his students, Lytle said.

“Dr. Faubus saw more in people than they saw in themselves,” he said. “That kind of belief caused people

to soar. Just being in his presence caused me to want to be everything God called me to be.”

Lytle said many people who have been associated with COBA are endeared to Faubus, and it was proven at the reception in both the incredible turnout and the long line of people waiting to take a picture or shake hands with Faubus.

During the reception, Faubus, who was famous for always being impeccably dressed and wearing a hat, was awarded a special cowboy hat, Lytle said.

The reception was Sunday in the Teague Special Events Center and was open to alumni, faculty and staff, and the Abilene community.

Lisa Estrada, Marketing and Alumni Relations manager in COBA, planned the event and said she was pleased with the turnout.

“We didn’t know quite what to expect, but were glad to have such a large response.”

E-mail McGowan at: optimist@acu.edu

200 at-risk children go unmatched n Though ACU students make up 25 percent of Big Brothers and Big Sisters volunteers, 200 at-risk children are still without Big Brother and Big Sister matches.

By ANDREA LUCADO Student Reporter

The house was small, did not have electricity and was home to Carpenter’s 11-yearold “little sister.”

“It was humbling the first time I walked into [her] home,” said Adrienne Carpenter, sophomore Spanish education major from Austin.

Carpenter is only one of hundreds of people in Abilene mentoring a child through Big Brothers Big Sisters.

The federal agency, which is located at 720 Pine St., is one of 250 agencies nationwide. Its mission is to set up mentoring relationships between children and volunteers, also known as “littles”

and bigs.”

According the Big Brothers Big Sisters Web site, the only requirement for becoming a big is that you have to have been a kid.

Tim Yandell, the new executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters, said the applications are carefully reviewed.

“We don’t put them in a hat and draw,” Yandell said.

Instead he said the organization matches children and teens to mentors through common interests and other criteria.

About 700 Abilene citizens volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters and 25 percent are ACU students. College students are encouraged to apply because they can personally relate to teens and children, and 200 littles remain to be matched, said Yandell.

The organization plans to raise funds for 120 of these children with the 2005 Bowl

for Kid’s Sake to take place Nov. 12.

There are several ways to be involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Lunch Buddies is a commitment that includes a big and little eating lunch together once a week.

Community-Based Mentoring, another option for bigs and littles, requires six to eight hours a month of spending time together doing activities in the community.

Other ways for students to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters is through Treadaway Kids, Wildcat Kids and the Boys and Girls Club, which are all in collaboration with the program.

Studies show that 57 percent of the youth in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program have made positive changes in classroom behavior, and 65 percent show improvement in academic performance.

“I know those are statistics

but … you can never measure the impact you have on a kid’s life,” Yandell said. He said often the bigs do not realize how important they are to the littles.

“My job is to provide an outlet of fun and vacation from [my little’s] difficult home situation,” Carpenter said. “The longer I spend time with her, the more she smiles.”

Contact info For more information, contact the Big Brothers Big Sisters office at 6777839, or visit the Web site to apply at www. bbbsabilene.org.

E-mail Lucado at: optimist@acu.edu

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Page 3

CAMPUS NEWS

Your friendly Texas Representative

Dr Pepper teams with ACU n Dr Pepper produced cans to commemorate the Centennial, which can be purchased at The Campus Store, United, Wal-mart and H-E-B, among others.

By BLYTHE THOMPSON Student Reporter

brian schmidt/Chief Photographer

Homecoming grand marshals Dr. Bob and Shirley Hunter wave to crowds gathered along the route of the Homecoming Parade on Saturday. Hunter, senior vice president emeritus and Texas State Representative for the 71st District, recently announced he does not plan to seek another term in office.

ACU Centennial Dr Pepper cans have been found on local supermarket shelves to help make the 100th year sweeter, thanks to years of planning by the ACU Centennial Public Relations Task Force.

Local Dr Pepper bottler, Abtex Beverage Co., will create 7,500 cases, which equals 180,000 cans, of the bubbly drink bearing the Centennial logo. The Centennial collector cans will hit the market in four runs, with 1,875 cases at a time. The first run went well for Abtex, causing the company to put the sec-

ond run on the market just in time for the 100th Homecoming on Friday to welcome the influx of alumni and parents in Abilene.

Abtex created the cans at no cost to the university.

This is unusual for bottlers to do for a school this size, said Betsey Craig, co-chair for Centennial PR Task Force.

Reasons for the company’s generosity stem from a good relationship between Abtex and the university; also about 10,000 alumni live in Abilene, meaning that sales of the special sodas would more than likely go smoothly, Craig said. Once the cans sell out, Abtex will not produce any more, so supplies are limited.

Craig said that the committee chose Dr Pepper because of its popularity in Texas, but not everyone feels such warm feelings for the

drink.

The idea is neat, said Trevor Brunt, freshman finance major from Longview, but Dr Pepper isn’t his drink of choice.

“I think buying of Centennial merchandise is a waste of money,” Brunt said, although he said he has some in his room.

Students can find the cans at local supermarkets: both Wal-mart Supercenters, United Supermarkets, H-EB, Albertson’s and at The Campus Store. Prices differ depending on location, but Wal-mart on Highway 351 sells six-packs for $1.98.

Upcoming events planned as the Centennial year continues, according to the ACU Web site, include FilmFest on Nov. 4 and speaker Pat Summerall on Nov. 8.

E-mail Thompson at: optimist@acu.edu

Awake 3:18 focuses on AIDS awareness ISA’s Culture Show still n Awake 3:18 is working to spread awareness of AIDS in Africa by using an orange T-shirt campaign and having Chapel presentations during the week.

By ALLISON MITCHELL Staff Writer

Awake 3:18, a student organization that was established to create AIDS awareness and action at the university, is working to raise awareness about AIDS this week. The group focuses on the pandemic’s rapid spread through Africa and is joining 40 other campuses in the nation with similar programs to fight the epidemic and the apathy many have toward it.

The co-chairs for the group are sophomore David Altuna, accounting major from Austin, and junior Amanda Stough, accounting major from Atlanta.

“I really had no idea

about the AIDS epidemic in Africa until last February,” Stough said. “I attended an AIDS awareness conference at Wheaton College in Chicago, and it struck me. I didn’t want people to suffer, if we could do something to help.”

Altuna attended the conference with Stough and

being done here, we started our own chapter.”

They organized several different activities for this week.

On Monday and Wednesday the group participated in the orange shirt campaign, which is taking place on many other college campuses.

“Each of these people represents ... orphans living with AIDS in Africa, and we will have 243 people, each representing 50,000 orphans.”

Rachel Klick, senior broadcast journalism major from Fort Worth

had a similar experience.

“The conference was held by a group called Acting on AIDS, and it consisted of two days of information about the pandemic in Africa,” Altuna said. “Once we got back to Abilene and realized that nothing was

“An orange shirt campaign is where you set a ratio, and a certain number of students wear orange shirts,” said Rachel Klick, senior broadcast journalism major from Fort Worth and student adviser of Awake 3:18. “Each of these people

represents a certain number of orphans living with AIDS in Africa, and we will have 243 people, each representing 50,000 orphans.”

On Wednesday, an AIDSawareness video about an orphanage in Malindi, Kenya, that houses children who have been affected by the disease, was played in Chapel.

The group planned a number of things for Thursday.

Mike Cope, preaching minister for Highland Church of Christ, has worked with AIDS victims in Africa and spoke in Chapel Wednesday.

A brown-bag discussion will take place after Chapel, and an information fair with organizations such as Big Country AIDS Awareness will be in the Campus Center.

E-mail Mitchell at: alm04a@acu.edu

auditioning students n The culture show will be Nov. 18 and 19 in Cullen Auditorium.

Students from all backgrounds are invited to audition and represent their cultures.

By JOHNNY BAUTISTA Student Reporter

The International Students Association Culture Show will be in Cullen Auditorium on Nov. 18 and 19. Tickets for the show cost $3 and will be available for sale in the Campus Center.

The Culture Show aims to display unity among the different cultures at the university.

International students are able to perform acts with students from their own culture and with students from around the world.

“I think it’s one of the coolest things to be a part of because you get to work with 90 some odd people who are working

on this from all over the world, and you really get to see the different cultures from around the world,” said Stewart Stevens, senior intercultural communication and Christian ministry major from Ruston, La. Auditions for the show were last week, but directors still welcome students to try out; they must have a performance planned to audition.

“It is so much more than just a show,” Stevens said. “People come and are entertained, but we also try to inspire and give more than just culture; we also try to give a message at the same time.

“If you haven’t been involved with the culture show, my advice is to get into it,” Stevens said. “It will open up your eyes.”

E-mail Bautista at: optimist@acu.edu

CAMPUS NEWS

Page 4

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Scotland colloquium planned

Hold very still...

n The Honors Program will take 15 or 16 students to Edinburgh, Scotland, for a one-hour credit Honors colloquium during Maymester.

By SHELBY COATES Student Reporter

brian schmidt/Chief Photographer

Kay Lee Gibbs, freshman undeclared major from Austin, paints the face of Kailey Barker, 8, during the Homecoming Carnival on Friday in the mall area outside the Campus Center.

Soccer tournament promotes unity n A Soccer tournament on Oct. 29 will promote cultural diversity and was organized by the Cultural Student Advisers and the International Rescue Committee.

By DANIELLE SPENCE-MARROW Student R eporter

Students and people from across the world will play soccer on Oct. 29 at 4 p.m. to help integrate a diverse community.

The Cultural Student Advisers and the International Rescue Committee have organized a soccer tournament to help promote unity in the community. The students want­­ed to branch out to integrate the community by getting students of different ethnic backgrounds and people from across the world such as Latin America, Africa, Europe and Asia to participate in this tournament.

The tournament could resemble the World Cup format because people from different countries will play, said LaShae

“My hopes for this tournament is to get fellowship within the student body and to spread it throughout the community.”

LaShae Grottis, director of the Office of Student Multicultural Enrichment

Grottis, director of the Office of Student Multicultural Enrichment.

“My hopes for this tournament is to get fellowship within the student body and to spread it throughout the community” Grottis said. “The IRC is extremely excited and helpful in organizing this event.”

The International Rescue Committee is an organization to help relieve and protect people who were uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression in their home countries. The IRC is at work in 25 countries helping to provide assistance in getting new arrivals adjusted and acquiring the skills to become self-sufficient in the United States, according to an IRC press release in September.

“Committed to restoring

dignity and self-reliance, the IRC is a global symbol of hope and renewal for those who have taken flight in search of freedom,” according to the press release.

The soccer tournament is scheduled for Oct. 29 from 46 p.m., and dinner will be offered after the tournament in the Bean. The tournament is open to anyone, and everyone is encouraged to participate.

For more information contact Grottis at 674-6562 or e-mail her at lashae.grottis@acu.edu.

Although participants might speak several different languages, they will at least be able to come together to play the same sport and have fun doing it, Grottis said.

E-mail Spence-Marrow at: optimist@acu.edu

The Honors Program plans to take 15 or 16 students to Edinburgh, Scotland, for its third Honors colloquium trip.

Students will leave for Scotland during Maymester and receive one credit hour for the trip.

Honors colloquium trips allow Honors students to earn one of three Honors colloquium credits. Three Honors Colloquium credits are part of the 27 Honors credits that students need to graduate from the university with University Honors.

Students outside the Honors Program with a junior standing and 3.4 grade point average are encouraged to attend. The colloquium trip will count as one elective credit hour for students outside the Honors Program.

The cost of the trip is $2,850 and includes airfare, train and bus fare in Scotland, housing, and all dinners. Students are required to pay for other meals, tuition and academic fees, separately.

Students attending the trip will take a hands-on travel

“It’s a whole different way of touring. You go to a city, and you go with an emphasis.”

Kaela Latimer, senior elementary education major from Amarillo

course called City as Text.

Students will observe cities, villages and socio-economic lifestyles of neighborhoods and draw their own conclusions, said Dr. Caron Gentry, assistant professor of political science and the Honors Program.

“Students go into the city in small groups and investigate the city in question,” Gentry said. “Students learn what the city is like, what the income level is like, what the neighborhood is like and link together ideas of socio-economics and the city in question.”

This Maymester, students will also study outlying Scottish villages and visit Scottish castles and museums.

“You get to be a tourist and look at all the scenery, but you get to look at the city with a different eye,” said Kaela Latimer, senior elementary education major from Amarillo.

“It’s a whole different way of touring. You go to a city, and you go with an emphasis.”

In Maymester 2003, Latimer went on the first Honors colloquium trip offered by the Honors Program to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.

There she took a course called Hope During Oppression.

Latimer met five times with her class on campus before leaving for Prague. She also had several reading assignments to complete before leaving for Maymester.

During the trip Latimer participated in several discussion-oriented classes, traveled and observed cities, and visited Auschwitz concentration camp.

“The Honors Program works with the Study Abroad Program when planning Honors colloquium trips, because the program is fairly new,” Latimer said. “This is only the second trip outside the country the Honors Program has done.”

The Honors Program also led a colloquium trip to Chicago last spring.

Students wanting more information on the Scotland trip can visit the Study Abroad Office, the Honors Program Office, or speak to Gentry in the Political Science Department office all located in the Administration Building.

E-mail Coates at: optimist@acu.edu

Program to ease registration woes n A new program is available for students to map out their degree plans, see what classes they need to take, and can be found on Banner Web.

By LUKE HARRIS Staff Writer

A new computer program can help students figure out their degree plans as they begin registering for classes and dealing with the stress that comes along with this time of year. Many students don’t know if they can get into the classes they want, and some have no idea what they need to take and when they need to take it.

However, a solution is here, said Bart Herridge, assistant registrar for technology. He said a new computer program will help students figure out what courses they need to take and find mistakes, if any, with the classes they have already taken.

Herridge said the pro-

gram is very simple and easy to use and the Registrar’s Office has been working on it all summer to make it user-friendly for students who are trying to figure out classes and schedules.

The program shows students a list of classes that are required for their major and for the rest of their requirements for the university. A list next to the courses also tells the students if they have “met” the requirement or, “not met” them, allowing students to know what courses they still have to take.

Herridge said many advisers across campus have used the degree evaluation program for about a year and a half, and last week it was opened for student use. The program can be found off of the Banner Web program on my.ACU, and instructions on the Registrars Web site inform students how to use the program.

“The program really benefits as an advising tool, but it is mostly just helpful to the students,” Herridge said.

Some students have already used the program, Herridge said, and have found it helpful and easy.

Lindsey Scraggs, junior biology education major from Abilene, said she used it last week and she has already found it useful.

The program showed that Scraggs had two classes with no credit that she should have had credit for, and it allowed her to know about the problem and be able to talk to her adviser about it.

“I would tell everyone to use it just because advisers can’t always keep track of everyone, and it is easy to find classes and even mistakes that you need to fix,” Scraggs said.

E-mail Harris at: dlh03a@acu.edu

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Page 5

AOL: Clicking on computer links could cause viruses Continued from page 1 dated virus scanner can protect a computer from a virus, but this perception isn’t completely true because this particular virus is not just one virus, rather it’s a virus family, Tooley said. One virus on a computer leaves that computer susceptible to other members of its virus family.

The virus operates from a server somewhere in the world.

Once it installs itself onto a computer and connects to that server, it then gains full control over the invaded computer.

Tooley said that the virus scans the network searching for vulnerable, not recently updated computers, and once it finds one it latches itself on to that computer.

“This not only causes concern for all the computers connected to the ACU network, but it also causes increased conges-

tion, which slows the network down for everyone,” he said.

Tooley also said a computer that hasn’t recently been updated is just as bad as clicking on a link in AOL Instant Messenger.

It is important for students to frequently check for these software and network updates at least once a week and update for virus scanners at least once per day, Tooley said.

Team 55 has been working to alert students about this

problem, Tooley said. Providing an education and knowledge to students about this virus is where the group began. It has also blocked certain files from coming onto the network, protecting students from infecting themselves.

“Ultimately, it’s up to the student to practice safe messaging and to avoid clicking on links that come through instant messenger applications,” he said. “You must understand

that [students] are essentially the cause and remedy for the problem.”

Joel Crane, RESNET supervisor for Team55, said that when a computer receives a virus, the owner might not know it right away, but it’s there. He said that when students click on a virus-infected link from an AOL Instant Messenger window, the link doesn’t do anything noticeable, but internally, the virus is downloading to the computer

and, in turn, infecting the entire network.

“When someone’s computer gets the virus, that person should bring the computer to the Team 55 office so we can get rid of the virus,” Crane said.

“A person who has been infected cannot use the Internet with his computer until cleared by us.”

E-mail Holt at: mah02f@acu.edu

Queen: Lindsay surprised to win Continued from page 1 said. She said she knew many of the girls on the Homecoming Court, but through this past month they have become friends.

“This was a really fun group of girls,” Lindsay said. “I got to know them better and have formed friendships, so now when I see them on campus I can ask them how they are and truly know what is going on in their lives.”

Lindsay was escorted by her father to Friday’s Chapel and to the Homecoming game on Saturday and was escorted by her grandfather to Saturday’s Homecoming Chapel.

“I am close to both my dad and my grandpa, and I wanted both to be able to join me in this experience,” Lindsay said.

Instead of celebrating with her grandparents, parents, sis-

ter, an aunt, cousins and her boyfriend, Lindsay went home and took a nap to catch up on sleep. The group later went to dinner, the Homecoming Musical and out for coffee to celebrate, she said.

“To be named Homecoming Queen is such a honor,” Lindsay said. “It is such a special thing to be recognized by the students. It is a neat deal.”

Betsey Craig, coordinator of queen’s activities for Homecoming, said Lindsay received 29 percent of the vote.

“It totally hasn’t sunk in yet, and I don’t know what to do with this crown,” Lindsay said.

“I just admire it in its box and invite all my friends to come over and try it on. If I could say just one word about it, I would say this has been such a great honor.”

E-mail Sherwood at: mes02e@acu.edu

GARY RHODES/Contributing Photographer

Mike Lindsay hugs his daughter, Evan Lindsay, senior secondary science elementary major from Houston, after she was crowned 2005-06 Homecoming Queen during halftime at Saturday’s football game at Shotwell Stadium. Lindsay was one of 10 women on the Homecoming Court.

Asbestos: Sample Fall break: Students make plans to travel found in building Continued from page 1

Continued from page 1 for virtually every building project we undertake; even those that we intend to tear down,” Nevill said. The first step in the remodeling process was to survey the building to find the asbestos.

Samples are taken from the building and then tested in a lab, Nevill said.

If asbestos is found, Nevill it must be removed before construction can be completed.

“The area is sealed and then the areas identified as containing asbestos are removed in sealed containers to a disposal site appropriate to that type of material,” Nevill said.

The university hired a company that specializes in working with asbestos to do the work. Workers from the company found asbestos in a few materials, such as glue on the floor tiles, putty on windowpanes and insulation on hot water pipes, Nevill said. Builders commonly used asbestos in construction until a few years ago.

In the 1960s, research-

ers discovered that certain diseases were developing among people who worked with asbestos. When inhaled into the lungs, the fibers can cause asbestosis, mesothelioma or lung cancer. These diseases show up about 15 to 50 years after heavy exposure to asbestos.

Once asbestos is disturbed, it becomes airborne and may cause health problems.

All people are exposed to asbestos at some point in their lives, but it usually only affects people who were not protected when working with the fibers, according to the Web site of the Maryland Department of the Environment.

Some products still use asbestos, but they are becoming less common, Nevill said. Asbestos was not used in building Barret Residence Hall. The university is now required by law to regularly check buildings for asbestos.

Asbestos facts • Commonly found in glue used for floor tiles, putty on windowpanes and insulation on hot water pipes.

• A construction material used until a few years ago.

•Can cause health problems.

E-mail Carroll at: optimist@acu.edu

Some students have pledged to take it slow and relax over the short break. Yevgen Pashchenko, senior accounting major from Ukraine, said he is not only overwhelmed with homework, but he is staying in Abilene to continue his athletic conditioning. Pashchenko is a track athlete and said most of his teammates usually stay behind for breaks.

“We’re assuring the consistency of our training process,” he said. “You can’t have a three to four days interruption in training.”

Some students are just taking the extra day to get out of town. Marcie Rodriquez, junior graphic design major from Snyder, and Noel Cothren, junior art major from Albuquerque, N.M., plan to visit a friend in San Antonio. Even though fall break is just one extra day off,

Cothren said she is excited because her assignments are usually due Fridays, and this has been a harder semester than usual.

In contrast, Ben Lippe, graduate student in counseling psychology from Austin, has no plans for the weekend and sees nothing special about it.

“I have Fridays off anyway, so it’s the same for me,” he said.

Whether armed with books

or hiking gear, the break does provide an extra day for most students to use to their advantage. Wallis said she is happy about the interest shown in her camping trip in the short time she’s advertised and is excited about the trip.

“I like being outside,” she said. “Nature is one of the main ways we can view God’s work.”

E-mail Lau at: optimist@acu.edu

JamFest: Eight bands performed Friday night Continued from page 1 on having fun on stage. Our fans bring us energy.”

Performing on campus is exciting for the band because the campus is a “friendly environment,” and the band also enjoys seeing “familiar faces,” Macias said.

Clad in Scarlet was one of eight bands that performed at JamFest on Friday, which began at 5 p.m. and ended at 8 p.m.

Prior to Clad in Scarlet’s performance, the band Streets of

Simon Lee debuted.

“We try to write songs that deal with realism and the experiences in people’s lives,” said Jason Drysdale, member of Streets of SImon Lee and sophomore Christian ministry major from St. Louis. Drysdale’s performance included lead vocals and guitar; he also wrote the lyrics for the band’s songs.

The members of Streets of Simon Lee try to show that they’re “into their music” while on stage so others will “get into it,” Drysdale said.

“This was our first actual show,” he said. “There’s nothing like being on stage. I love it.”

Each band was given a 25-30 minute time limit; however, a few bands exceeded this limit, said Amanda Spell, coordinator of Student Organizations and Activities.

The university sponsors Jam-

Fest for a specific reason—to “showcase the current musical talent on campus,” Spell said.

This year’s JamFest was a success, Spell said.

“We were very pleased with the crowd that showed up and with all the bands.”

E-mail Smith at: optimist@acu.edu

Page 6

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Students don’t need Hunger Week to serve The issue:

Poverty is all around us, even in a small city like Abilene. Students often participate in a national effort like National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, yet fail to consistently put to practice these actions.

Our view:

National Hunger and Homelessness Week should be only a part of the service we are doing in our neighborhood.

Poverty is a constant occurrence, and many overlook its presence in this university neighborhood.

The solution:

Get out and serve. Plan events and activities for this nationally recognized week, and let that only be the start of a deep compassion for the less fortunate.

National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week happens one week before Thanksgiving—this year it will be Nov. 14-20.

A drive down North 10th Street, past Sherrod Apartments and Adams and Smith residence halls, and a left on Alabama Street brings one to a setting unlike the rolling green grass and extravagant buildings of ACU’s campus. Located about a mile from campus, this is a part of Abilene, among others, where a single mother struggles to feed her two children with a minimum wage job, where hopelessness is driving teenagers to earn their keep by stealing it, where hunger is a common concept in the neighborhood—a part of Abilene denied the attention it needs from those who have attention and resources to give.

During this nationally rec-

ognized week, National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness mentalhealth. schools, cities, org, Abilene Week aids a week-long effort to bring communities has a homeparticipants’ minds back to the community. and churches less populaparticipate in tion between this nation700 and 1,200 wide attempt to bring aware- National Hunger and Home- on any given night, and an even ness about the growing number lessness Awareness Week man- greater number of people who of people who are hungry and ual suggests activities such as have shelter but are hungry. homeless to a wealthy nation of going a night or two without Just more than 15 percent of individuals who are constantly a home, planning or attending the entire population of the taking more for themselves, of- informative forums that bring city, according to www.wikipeten neglecting those in need. people’s attention to the prob- dia.org, is below the poverty Seldom do Americans stop lems of hunger and homeless- line. and reflect on those who are ness, registering homeless or The National Hunger and less fortunate, other than oc- low-income individuals to vote, Homelessness Awareness Week casionally giving change to fasting, planning potlucks for aids a week-long effort to bring beggars. This awareness week, the community, and the list participants’ minds back to the established by a secular organi- goes on. community and those in the zation, can be a week of service Anyone can participate in community who need help. in which the faith and beliefs of this week of attention to the However, as Christians, a many can be revealed to an ig- less fortunate. All it takes is the designated week for this efnorant nation. assertiveness of a few individu- fort should not be our only The National Coalition for als to spark a program that will approach to the issue. A conthe Homeless suggests a num- help the community. Abilene sistent evaluation of the comber of activities to make this an can be part of this effort. munity is in order, as people effective week of service. The According to www.abilene- are homeless 365 days a year,

Social club steals attention in Chapel

Cole Williams

Let Loose

not just seven.

Even if you decide not to participate in the official week of service, service is something that can always be done. All it takes is an open mind, open eyes and a willingness to serve those in need no matter where you are.

National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week is a good start to something people, more specifically Christians, do not pay enough attention to. If participating in this event will bring your consistent attention upon hunger and poverty, this week could be a life-changing evaluation to the amount of compassion you give to those who do not share a similar social and economical standing.

But if November 14-20 is the extent of your compassion to the needy, then Christians aren’t doing their part in the community.

I am disappointed with some people’s choices during Chapel this Monday.

Randy Harris, instructor of Bible, Missions and Ministry, started a talk about troubles concerning faith. In case you weren’t there, Harris stepped down off the Chapel stage, told all the believers to pray and proceeded to relate to the remaining crowd his own struggles with faith. What a great, honest and applicable Chapel for all.

Then, while Harris was talking, while people were praying and while students were listening, there was a loud stomp and synchronized leg switch from the back area of the Chapel floor.

Students who were listening started laughing, and everyone’s focus on faith was stolen by a social club’s ridiculous stunt. This disruption was so much worse than the occasional cell phone ring.

It was a plan to be distracting and it was executed in the middle of Harris’ talk. It

Your Voice In response to the simultaneous leg crossing of Gamma Sigma Phi pledges in Chapel on Monday. was a rude and selfish choice.

Chapel is not an audience for social clubs or tricks. It’s a time to forget what color you’re wearing and focus your loyalty on the holy God that we serve.

I am disappointed in the example that these men have set for the rest of the student body. It is not cool or funny to be blatantly rude in a worship setting. Students should have the right to listen in Chapel and spend some time thinking about their spiritual life. We are spiritual beings with bodies made of dust. Our faith is real, and God is real. Take it seriously.

Lauren Graham Study Abroad coordinator Class of 2005

Call to action: Money urges clubs to rise above worldly norm Throughout Homecoming weekend, I saw students connecting with one another and with our ACU alumni through many different activities.

However, social clubs were especially noticeMessage from able and active during the President this major event.

Dr. Royce Clubs proMoney vided breakfasts for their alumni. Some clubs created games to entertain children during the carnival. Clubs built floats, created skits or song routines, and marched in the Homecoming Parade. Club pledges, dressed in their colors, listened respectfully during Saturday’s Chapel. And clubs attended the football game, protected their symbols, and cheered for the team and the parade winners.

It’s difficult to imagine Homecoming without social clubs. It’s nearly impossible to imagine Sing Song without social clubs. Throughout ACU’s history, clubs have become an

integral part of the fabric of this university, tightly woven into our heritage and traditions.

Traditions are interesting.

Merriam-Webster defines “tradition” as an inherited, established or customary pattern of thought, action or behavior (as a religious practice or a social custom); or the handing down of information, beliefs and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction.

Social clubs are steeped in traditions and rituals. As the definitions stated, these traditions are inherited—they are handed down, in many cases, by word of mouth from one generation to the next without written instruction.

What happens over time with social club traditions that are passed down? In some cases, they become better and stronger and more closely aligned with ACU’s Christian mission. In others, they remain the same—but standards of society change dramatically.

In the worst-case scenario, traditions evolve over time into demeaning, hurtful practices that have no basis in Christian values—and can cause mental,

In the worst case scenario, traditions evolve over time into demeaning, hurtful practices that have no basis in Christian values. physical or emotional harm to both the students who are pledging and the members who have already been accepted.

At some universities, state or federal laws or national club charters are the standards within which fraternities and sororities are expected to operate. At ACU, we believe all our student organizations should operate within state and federal law—but we also have higher expectations of our students and our clubs.

Is it merely enough to say that our social clubs do not break any laws? Is that our standard of conduct? Absolutely not!

At this university, we have created a community—a Christian community—and in this community, we want to establish a culture that puts Christ first in all things. For example, we want our students to dress modestly—not merely because we believe it’s scriptural, but because it respects the community.

At ACU, we want all students who choose to attend this university to respect the student handbook guidelines that ban drinking and the use of drugs—not merely because we have established clear rules on these issues—but because students have agreed to be a part of this community that has certain boundaries.

So how do these examples relate to social clubs? I’ll make the point clearly. If there are social club traditions or rituals that demean, intimidate or cause physical, mental or emotional harm to our students— these traditions will cease.

Some may argue that you must “break down” individuals so they’ll be ready to bond and become close-knit as a group. I say that’s a lie, perpetuated by the world.

Christ says to build up one another. Christ says to love one another.

Students bond during Spring Break Campaigns. Students make friends for life while building Habitat for Hu-

manity homes. Students connect while working all night on the Optimist or Prickly Pear or while building a Homecoming float.

I truly love social clubs; I was in one myself and know personally there are many benefits to this experience. But this university must come to terms with the serious changes needed throughout the social club system.

I want ACU to have a social club system that ensures no student leaves this university because of a demeaning or physically harmful pledging experience. I want ACU to have a social club system that builds up students—not tears them down.

And most importantly, I want to have a social club system that is consistently, faithfully, openly Christian. I am not speaking to a few clubs; I am calling all club members, advisers, alumni and club friends to dig deep into the traditions that have been passed down and ask such questions as: • Would I behave this way in the light of day, before my family, my minister or the faculty at ACU I most respect?

• Does participating in this activity make me a better per-

Editorial and letter policy Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration.

Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university.

The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print letters containing personal

attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy.

Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published.

Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79699 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu

son and a stronger Christian— and does it do the same for others who are participating?

Abilene Christian is no ordinary university. We have extraordinary students and alumni, and I know we can come together to create bonding experiences within social clubs that students will remember forever—in a positive way.

Again, I’ll say, “I love social clubs.” But I don’t love hearing some of the heartbreaking stories when social clubs are not all they can be.

I want to open a dialogue with this campus community regarding this topic.

In the near future, I will appoint an advisory committee with broad representation to recommend needed changes to me. I also want to hear from you about how social clubs can contribute to the mission of the university. A community’s culture is created by its members, and I believe this community can raise its expectations and commit to higher standards. It’s who we are.

Dr. Royce Money is the president of Abilene Christian University. Contact his office at moneyr@acu.edu.

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SPORTS JUMPS

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Page 7

Football: Wildcats face No. 19 Texans next Continued from page 8 While the passing game was ineffective all day, Taber Minner stepped up for the Wildcats with senior Rashon Myles out of the game with an ankle sprain.

Minner had 12 rushes for 61 yards, his long being a 42-yard touchdown run on fourth-andinches, and six receptions for 48 yards.

“He’s a kid that makes plays, in the passing game and in the running game,” Thomsen said.

“He’s only going to get better.”

After the game, Minner wasn’t as pleased with his performance.

“It’s good and everything, but if we don’t win, then I don’t really care about everything else,” Minner said after the game. “We’ve got to win. Nothing else matters.”

After two weeks in a row of 300-yard passing games, the Buffalo defense held Billy Malone to only 129 yards.

“Part of it is their defense,” Thomsen said. “I’d say their pressure got to us a little bit,

with their blitz game.”

For the first time since the Eastern New Mexico game, Danieal Manning registered a punt return Manning returned two punts for a total of 30 yards. Manning’s last return ended with him being tackled in the end zone for a safety.

“They were trying to kick it out of bounds, they just didn’t hit it right,” Thomsen said. “Probably scared them to death.”

Besides Manning’s duties on special teams and defense,

brian schmidt/Chief Photographer

Sophomore outside linebacker Cody Stutts leaps to make the tackle against West Texas A&M.

Tennis: Players compete at nationals Continued from page 8 All-American standing.

In women’s doubles Holly Lindloff and Lana Pavlin lost out in the first round of the tournament to ldio Csordas and Ana Maria

Zuleta of Barry University, sending them to the consolation semifinals. Lindloff and Pavlin won their second match and lost the third to finish sixth overall.

“I am not disappointed, this was a good experience,”

Thomsen worked Manning in some offensive plays as well.

“He probably played 110 snaps of football,” Thomsen said. “He’s worn out right now; we gave him the day off [Sunday].”

This week’s game This week the Wildcats travel to Stephenville to play the No. 22 Tarleton State Texans. The Texans are 6-1 this year, their only loss coming against Texas A&M-Kingsville. Last week Tarleton State defeated a tough Eastern New Mexico team 3427 on the road. The Texans also picked up co-offensive and co-defensive player of the week honors in the LSC South Division.

Renardrick Phillips gained co-defensive honors from his defensive back position with 16 total tackles, of which six were for a loss.

Offensively, senior running back Derrick Ross was recognized as the co-offensive player of the week with 212 rushing yards, four touchdowns and an average of 7.9 yards per carry.

Thomsen said the team is solid all around.

“Their secondary is big and physical, and they’ve got a running back who led the league in rushing last year. Derrick Ross—he’ll be an NFL player,” Thomsen said. “They’ll be good, you don’t get any breaks in this league.”

After missing last week’s game, Thomsen said Rashon Myles should be ready for the game against Tarleton State.

brian schmidt/Chief Photographer

Freshman running back Taber Minner breaks free on fourth and one.

The Wildcats will be without starting outside linebacker Brandon Henry, who tore his ACL Saturday against West Texas A&M. Sophomore Travis Carpenter will step up into Henry’s role this week.

The Wildcats and Texans kickoff at 2 p.m. in Stephenville, and the Wildcats return for their last home game Oct. 29, against Texas A&M-Kingsville.

E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu

Just in the nick of time

Jones said. “I really like where we are, but there is no time to sit back and rest. Everyone is getting better, and there will be a lot of close matches in the spring.”

E-mail Hilton at: optimist@acu.edu

Chile: Festival a success for teams Continued from page 8 Trina Cox placed 24th with a time of 21:53.8, followed

by Adeh Mwamba in 36th (21:53.8), Mary Mwangi in 122nd (23:37.6), and Abbie Waters in 151st (24:11.2).

“I thought Olha ran a very smart race,” Hood said. “She resisted going out with the lead group the first mile and

it helped her maintain a very consistent pace throughout the race. She told me later she felt very flat early in the race, but she pushed on and placed ninth in a very tough D-I competition.”

Hood also expects Mwamba and Cox to run “breakthrough” races at the conference meet.

The ACU women placed

11th in the team race. Oklahoma State ran away with the competition with 64 points, followed by Arkansas (71), Baylor (82), Wichita State (178), and Nebraska (220).

Both teams will attempt to defend their Lone Star Conference titles Saturday in Weatherford, Okla. gary rhodes/Contributing Photographer

E-mail Holt at: smh00a@acu.edu

Senior rightside hitter Ashlee Motola lunges for the ball during practice Tuesday in Moody Coliseum.

Page 8

October 19, 2005 Standings Football

Team Conf. Overall 6-0 8-0 WTAMU Angelo St. 5-1 7-1 Tarleton St. 5-1 6-1 TAMU-K 4-2 5-2 ENMU 4-3 4-4 ACU 2-4 2-5

Football suffers another hard loss n The Wildcats lost to West Texas A&M 40-24 on Homecoming.

The Wildcats gave the ball away two times that resulted in touchdowns for the ‘Buffs.

By JARED FIELDS Sports Editor

Volleyball Team Div. ACU

5-0 WTAMU 4-1 TAMU-K 3-2 ENMU

2-3 Angelo St. 1-4 Tarleton St. 0-5

Overall 20-3 21-7 8-16 6-15 9-15 11-13

Scores Friday

Volleyball ACU 3, Cameron 1 ACU 3, SW Oklahoma St. 0

Once again, costly mistakes and turnovers allowed West Texas A&M more than enough opportunities to give the Wildcats a Homecoming loss in front of 10,000 fans at Shotwell Stadium on Saturday.

The Wildcats’ 40-24 loss was their fourth in a row and drops the team to 2-5 on the year, 2-4 in Lone Star Conference play.

Football Two key plays kept the Wildcats from gaining any momentum and keeping the game closer.

Before the half, ACU had the ball in its territory and was trying to get the ball into field goal range. Quarterback Billy Malone checked down to his running back, freshman Taber Minner, and threw a short pass intended for Minner. However, Malone’s pass was intercepted at the line of scrimmage by Buffaloes linebacker, Max Steward, and ran back 52 yards for a touchdown, which gave the Buffaloes a 26-14 lead going into the half.

“I felt like the momentum had shifted to them,” head coach Chris Thomsen said. “I was just trying to get some of that back. There are sometimes where you’ve got to cut your losses and go in at the half: and I didn’t do that.”

In another attempt to steal some momentum, Thomsen called a risky play on a kickoff return.

Jerale Badon took the kickoff and took the ball up the right side of the field. He then stopped, turned to the opposite side of the field and threw the ball across to Danieal Manning in hopes of catching the Buffaloes off guard.

It didn’t work.

Buffaloes special teams

player Brian Cooper intercepted the ball on the run and returned it 15 yards for a touchdown.

“I’m supposed to come in and fake like I fell, pop up, and they throw the ball to me,” Manning said. “But they played it, they stayed in their lanes, and that was a good play by them.”

Again, an aggressive play call backfired on the Wildcats.

“Sometimes you try to force things with [Danieal], and people know you’re going to do those things,” Thomsen said.

“One of those you wish you could take back but can’t.”

See

FOOTBALL page 7

gary rhodes/Contributing Photographer

Sophomore wide receiver Jerale Badon attempts to jump over ‘Buffs corner back Rasheed Prescott.

Saturday

FOOTball West Texas A&M 40, ACU 24 Volleyball ACU 3, Texas Woman’s 1

Upcoming Schedule Thursday

Volleyball ACU vs. Tarleton State 7 p.m.

Saturday

Football ACU at Tarleton State, 2 p.m.

VOlleyball ACU at Texas A&M-Kingsville 2 p.m.

Cross country Men, LSC Championships, 11 a.m.

Women, LSC Championships, 11 a.m.

• Home games listed in italics brian schmidt/Chief Photographer

Three Wildcats sit on the bench at the end of the fourth quarter of Saturday’s 40-24 Homecoming loss to West Texas A&M. The loss is the Wildcats fourth in a row, who are now 2-5 on the year.

Wildcats keep winning

Tennis players compete in Florida

n The Wildcats moved up one spot in the rankings to No. 13 after going 3-0 in the LSC Crossover Tournament, improving their overall record to 20-3.

n Senior Casper Steenkamp and the women’s doubles team of juniors Holly Lindloff and Lana Pavlin competed in the ITA National Championships.

By BRIAN HOLLAND Sports Writer

By BRADY HILTON Student Reporter

Last weekend the Wildcat tennis team came out of Fort Walton Beach, Fla. with a fourth place win in men’s singles and sixth in women’s doubles at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association National Championships.

Casper Steenkamp won his first match against Thomas Provost of Valdosta State in a hard-fought threeset battle to gain a spot in the semifinals. Losing the first set, 6-7, to Provost, he was trying to do too much at one time, coach Hutton Jones said. Midway through the second set Steenkamp started to develop cramps.

Already behind in the set, Jones said the cramps caused him to relax more and play with more control.

Steenkamp went on the win sets two and three, 6-4.

Steenkamp went on to play top ranked Matias Oddone of Drury for third in the semifinals, losing 6-4, 6-2, to take home fourth overall.

“It is a plus to be there, but the only bad thing is not winning everything,” Jones said. “And to finish in the top half, he got a leg up to becoming an All-American.”

With his fall performance and a solid spring season Steenkamp could very well be on his way to becoming one of the top 20 ranked players in the nation and be awarded the See

NATIONALS page 7

gary rhodes/Contributing Photographer

Sophomore outside hitter Abbie Lowry reaches for the ball during practice Tuesday. The Wildcats’ final regular season game is Thursday against Tarleton State.

The volleyball team reeled off three more wins Friday and Saturday at the Lone Star Conference Crossover Tournament to improve their record to 20-3 on the season. The wins mark the 20th straight for the Wildcats and boosted them one spot to No. 13 in the nation among Division II teams.

Wins over North Division foes included Cameron, Southwesten Oklahoma State and Texas Woman’s University, who hosted the tournament.

Although the Wildcats came away with three straight match wins, two of them came with losses in the first game of the match (Cameron and Texas Women’s University).

“It really opened our eyes to see that we have to play our best all the time,” said sophomore outside hitter Abby Low-

Volleyball ry. “Since we’re doing so good this year we have a target on our backs.”

The Wildcats’ loss in the first game of the match was their first lost game since Sept.

16 against Central Oklahoma.

The volleyball team returned to their winning ways by taking nine out of the next ten games, only surrendering one game to Texas Women’s University.

The Wildcats now look ahead to Thursday and their match with the Tarleton State University TexAnns scheduled for 7 p.m at Moody Coliseum.

The only meeting the volleyball team had with the TexAnns this season was a 3-0 win in Stephenville. Though the 3-0 win looks impressive on the box score, the Wildcats refuse to look past one of their South Division rivals.

“They are a good team and gave us some trouble last time we played them,” Lowry said.

“They have a good block, but we’ve been working on hitting around the block in practice.”

Tarleton State is 0-5 in con-

Cross Country runs at Chile meet n ACU’s cross country teams faced some of the best competition in the nation at the Chile Pepper Festival and proved they belong against D-I schools.

By STEVE HOLT Sports Writer

Glancing at the results of Saturday’s Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival in Fayetteville, Ark., one might think the race took place somewhere in Africa. The top-10 finishers in the race hail from Africa. Eight are from Kenya, and one each from Uganda and Zambia.

Onlookers lucky enough to be in Fayetteville on Satur-

Cross Country day witnessed the future of world track and field, as Arkansas senior all-American Josephat Boit led a pack of runners through a sub-4:30 first mile in the 10-kilometer (6.2 mile) race.

The Eldoret, Kenya, native came out ahead of many of his countrymen with a course record time of 28:27.6. ACU’s own Nicodemus Naimadu, the defending Division II national champion, placed second in the stacked field of runners with a time of 28:31.0. The top five runners in the race broke the former course record of 28:42, set by former Alabama

star David Kamani in 2002.

“I was totally awed by Nicodemus,” Hood said. “He ran an incredibly fast race.”

Hood said he didn’t expect the course record to fall until he saw the lead pack, which included Naimadu, Boit and many of the nation’s top collegiate runners, surge with the two miles remaining.

With a little less than a mile remaining, Naimadu and Boit surged again, but Boit came out on top.

“It was quite a race to witness,” Hood said.

ACU finished sixth in the team race behind four nationally ranked Division I teams.

Arizona was second overall

behind a strong third-place finish from all-American senior Robert Cheseret, TexasEl Paso was third, followed by Alabama in fourth and California in fifth.

Freshman Philip Birgen placed 23rd for the Wildcats with a time of 29:55.0, followed by freshman Serge Gasore in 36th (30:41.7). Freshman Alberic Nkurunziza was 67th in 31:44.7, and Martin O’Kello was 94th in 32.13.9.

ACU sophomore Olha Kryv’yak led the Wildcat charge in the women’s six-kilometer race, placing eighth overall in 20:55.6. Senior See

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ference and 11-13 overall, but in the first match between these two, the TexAnns came within two points of defeating the Wildcats in the first game of the match.

“Everyone wants to be the one to beat us in conference,” Lowry said.

The volleyball team will try to avoid Slate its first loss in conference play on Thursday night.

Slate named Player of Week Senior middle blocker Amanda Slate earned LSC South Division Offensive Player of the Week for her performance in the LSC Crossover Tournament. Slate hit .376 last week and also had 74 kills, 14 service aces, 11 total blocks and 15 digs. Slate’s honor is her first for offense this season. She has earned defensive honors twice this year.

E-mail Holland at: beh03e@acu.edu

Chile Pepper Festival Results MEN-6th Place Place Time N. Naimadu 28:31.0 Philip Birgen 29:55.0 Serge Gasore 30:41.7 Alberic Nkurunziza 31:44.7 Martin O’Kello 32:13.9 Andrew Rogers 34:16.3 WOMEN-11th Place Place Time Olha Kryv’yak 20:55.6 Trina Cox 21:28.0 Adeh Mwamba 21:53.8 Mary Mwangi 23:37.6 Abbie Waters 24:11.2 Mollye Stanford 25:17.6 Venessa Whittle 25:24.7